Not like us: Artificial minds we can't understand

Rick Rashid was understandably nervous. As he stepped onto the stage to address 2000 researchers and students in Tianjin, China, he was risking ridicule. He didn't speak Chinese, and his translator's poor skills in the past promised embarrassment.

"We hope that in a few years we'll be able to break down the language barriers between people," the senior vice-president of Microsoft Research told the audience. There was a tense 2-second pause before the translator's voice came through the speakers. Rashid continued: "Personally, I believe this is going to lead to a better world." Pause, repeat in Chinese.

He smiled. The crowd were applauding every line. Some people even cried.

This seemingly overenthusiastic reaction was understandable: Rashid's translator had come far. Every sentence was understood and delivered flawlessly. And the most impressive part? The translator was not human.

Performing such a task was once far beyond the abilities of the ...

To continue reading this article, subscribe to receive access to all of newscientist.com, including 20 years of archive content.

To continue reading this article, log in or subscribe to New Scientist

App + web

Web

Smartphone

Tablet

$25.99 - Save 65%

12 issues for $2.17 per issue

with continuous service

Print + web

Print

Web

$28.99 - Save 61%

12 issues for $2.42 per issue

with continuous service

Print + app + web

Print

Web

Smartphone

Tablet

$39.99 - Save 73%

12 issues for $3.33 per issue

with continuous service

Web

Web only

$49.99

30 day web pass

Prices may vary according to delivery country and associated local taxes.